As we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month and our talk about Mental Wellbeing, I wanted to end on what I would argue, at least speaking for myself, is one of the most important factors in supporting positive mental well-being.

FUN

Fun doesn’t necessarily need to fall under the common societal definitions, like going to a party or hanging out with friends.

Sometimes fun may be spending time with yourself doing exactly what you want to do.

Sometimes fun, may be learning a new skill.

Or taking a walk and listening to a podcast.

Fun may look different in 30 degree weather verses 80 degree weather.

This past Memorial Day Monday I spent the afternoon in Central Park. Families were everywhere and I was mesmerized watching all the kids play. Their play served no particular purpose whatsoever and ranged from building chair forts to chasing each other up rocks and practicing cartwheels. But no matter what they were doing, they were having fun.

Happiness is about fun.

As Americans, we sometimes feel we need to sacrifice fun and happiness in order to be successful," says wellbeing expert, Dr. Emma Seppälä, author of The Happiness Track. "When we DO sacrifice fun, we become more stressed and actually less productive. If we focus on boosting fun and happiness in our lives, we end up more productive, charismatic, energetic and innovative."

Also last weekend, my soulmate best friend from college came to visit for a whirlwind 48 hours. During that time we only had one specific plan and many other possible options, but we both agreed we wanted to go with the flow and how we felt in the moment. And most importantly, to let ourselves move at whatever pace felt good, since we both often spend time in our everyday lives feeling rushed and moving quickly.

So our version of fun was to allow ourselves to move at a pleasurable pace.

According to Martin Seligman, who is the Founder of Positive Psychology, one of the 3 types of happiness is Pleasure + Gratification:

As he defines it,

The Pleasant life: a life that successfully perceives the positive emotions about the present, past, and future.

In my mind this boils down to dealing with the past, being optimistic about the future and happy in the present.

Our ability to receive, whether it’s joy, pleasure or gratification; is rooted in our ability to be present.
To practice being right here, open and without agenda.

Just for today, practice being present.

Ask yourself:

What activities or ways of spending time would currently fall into my category of fun?

How can I make them a part of my day, week, weekend?

And then embrace your fun! For the sake of your mental wellbeing!